Dry, rough skin isn’t just a seasonal inconvenience—it’s a skin state in need of some TLC! While most of us think dry skin is about “lack of moisture,” science has dug deeper, showing us it’s a mix of low skin lipids, reduced natural moisture factors, and even nerve sensitivity.
What’s all that? Well, a review has found that dry skin is missing essential fats (or “lipids) that normally keep its outer layer hydrated. Additionally, the skin’s natural moisturising factors are reduced when it’s dry, making it difficult to retain water. Our skin’s nerves can also play a role, as they can increase the sensation of dryness and discomfort.
We’ll break down tips and treatments to help you achieve a smoother, healthier complexion that’s far from rough.
Tip 1: Incorporate Ceramides Into Your Skincare Routine
Research shows ceramides are vital for a well-structured outer skin layer or stratum corneum (SC) where they work to keep the skin barrier intact and hydrated. In those with dry skin, ceramide levels and organisation are often reduced, weakening the skin’s natural defence and allowing moisture to be drawn out more easily.
Another study by Spada, Barnes, and Greive published in the Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology highlighted the effectiveness of ceramide-enriched creams, showing that a single application significantly improves hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) over 24 hours.
TEWL measures how much water evaporates from your skin into the air; when it’s high, it means your skin is losing moisture too quickly. By reinforcing the skin’s barrier, ceramide creams help keep moisture where it belongs—inside your skin—providing longer-lasting hydration than other moisturisers.
Tip 2: Watch What You Eat
Your diet affects your skin’s health and ability to retain moisture significantly. Based on recent research, including foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) can strengthen your skin’s barrier and help it retain moisture.
Probiotics like yoghurt and kefir also help promote a balanced microbiome. Prebiotics (garlic, onions, and bananas) on the other hand, help improve the skin’s natural defences by promoting beneficial bacteria, which is linked to better hydration and reduced dryness.
Tip 3: Limit Bathing Time And Use Lukewarm Water
We get it—few things feel as soothing as a long, steamy shower, especially after a tough day. But if your goal is smoother, hydrated skin, those hot showers might be doing more harm than good. High temperatures strip your skin of its natural oils, which are essential to keep it healthy and moisturised.
As dermatologist Dr Emily McKenzie points out in a University of Utah Health episode, longer, hotter showers cause more oil and moisture to be removed from the skin. Instead, take lukewarm baths and use mild soaps to keep the skin hydrated.
Tip 4: Apply A Hydrating Serum Before Moisturising
Give your skin an extra hydration boost by layering it with a hydrating serum before your moisturiser.
A recent clinical study evaluated the effects of using a hydrating serum alongside a moisturiser compared to using a moisturiser alone. The results showed that the combination provided significantly better improvements in skin hydration, softness, and reduced dryness after just two weeks.
Serums, especially those containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid (HA), penetrate deeply to bind water and replenish the skin’s moisture content, creating an ideal base for your moisturiser.
Tip 5: Use A Barrier Cream In Winter
Winter can be especially harsh on your skin. Cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating systems all work together to strip the skin of its natural oils. You guessed it—this often leads to dryness and irritation. In these conditions, a barrier cream becomes an essential part of a winter skincare routine.
Barrier creams are thicker than your average moisturiser, as it’s formulated to provide a protective layer locking in moisture and shielding your skin from environmental stressors.
Applying a barrier cream at night or before stepping out helps lock in moisture and protect against the drying events of cold weather and heating systems.
Tip 6: Don’t Over Exfoliate
Everyone loves a good scrub now and then, but when it comes to exfoliation, less is often more! Exfoliating helps your skin look more supple and feel softer, however overdoing it can backfire—stripping away too many protective layers and leaving the skin vulnerable to dryness, redness, and irritation.
Keep your skin healthy by limiting your exfoliating habit. Aim for gentle exfoliation just once or twice a week. Doing so promotes regular cell turnover, or the process by which your skin naturally sheds dead cells and replaces them anew.
Tip 7: Try Professional Treatments
When at-home skincare isn’t cutting it, Microdermabrasion and Skin Needling / Microneedling are professional treatments you can try to fix your rough, dry skin woes and improve your complexion.
Microdermabrasion exfoliates the skin’s surface gently with a diamond tip wand. This sloughs off dead skin cells and minimises pore appearance for a softer, more even look.
Skin Needling / Microneedling on the other hand creates tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This process activates the natural healing response, sending a flood of collagen and elastin to the area (essential proteins to repair and renew the skin).
Achieving smooth, hydrated skin doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. From tweaking your skincare routine to considering professional treatments, there are plenty of ways to tackle dryness.
If you’re looking for an extra boost, our team of Skin Therapists here at Laser Clinics Canada is here to help with professional treatments tailored to your skin needs. Schedule a consultation and let us help create a Tailored Treatment Plan designed specifically for you.
